Our Team
Layne Cook
Co - Founder & Director
Layne Cook co-founded L and C’s to bring her vision of a high-quality, community-focused learning environment to life. Having grown up surrounded by education and spending many years working in childcare before opening L & C’s, Layne developed a deep appreciation for the impact early learning has on children and families. With her Preschool Teaching Certificate and over ten years of experience in early childhood education and program leadership, Layne is passionate about providing high-quality care in an environment that truly feels like family.
Layne develops engaging curriculum, manages all enrollment, works closely with families to ensure a smooth and welcoming start for every child, and loves leading and supporting the amazing L & C’s team. Outside of the center, Layne enjoys spending time with her family, her friends, and her cat, Frankie. She loves exploring new places, trying new things, and attending all of the U of M home football games (Go Griz!).
Courtney King
Co - Founder & Director
Courtney King co-founded L and C’s to create a program where children feel safe, loved, and encouraged to grow, and where parents feel welcomed, supported, and confident knowing their children are in a nurturing environment. Courtney holds her Infant and Toddler Teaching Certificate and has years of experience working with children. She is passionate about guiding the center’s growth, developing engaging curriculum, and fostering strong connections with families. Her focus is on creating an organized, innovative, and welcoming space where both children and parents feel valued and supported. She also loves creating warm, inviting classroom spaces and supporting a team of caring, dedicated teachers.
Outside of the center, Courtney enjoys spending time with her husband, Jackson, and their two children, Parker and Collins. As a family, they love watching sports, spending time with friends, and staying active in their community and event planning business.
Asia Gillin
Manager
Miss Asia is the Manager and Teacher at L & C’s Learning Center. She grew up surrounded by childcare, as her mom was a lead infant teacher on Malmstrom AFB throughout her childhood. Spending countless hours in the classroom with her mom sparked Asia’s lifelong love for early childhood education and caring for little ones.
With over 14 years of First Aid/CPR certification and combined healthcare and childcare experience, Asia brings both expertise and heart to her work every day. Born and raised in Montana, she is happily married and the proud mom of a Beautiful 7-year-old daughter and one fur baby.
When she’s not at L & C’s, you’ll often find Asia exploring the beauty of the world with her family, or curled up with a good book. The children in her care hold a very special place in her heart, and she’s deeply grateful for every connection she gets to make with each little one.
Jackson King
Supervisor
Jackson’s role is all about stepping in wherever he’s needed to help keep things running smoothly in the program. Whether it’s covering for a teacher in a classroom, filling in when someone is out sick or on vacation, or making sure things are fixed and ready to go, Jackson is there to help. He also takes care of setting up the program early on Monday mornings and putting everything away at the end of the week on Fridays.
Outside of L and C’s, Jackson is the Program Director at Rising Lion Fitness here in Missoula, where he works with young athletes to help them grow both on and off the court. He also has the privilege of coaching his son, Parker, in basketball, baseball, and football.
When he’s not working or coaching, Jackson loves spending time with his wife (Miss Courtney), Parker, and their 2-year-old daughter, Collins. Supporting families and helping kids thrive is something he’s passionate about, both at L and C’s and throughout the Missoula community.
At L and C’s Learning Center, our dedicated team of early childhood educators and support staff bring warmth, creativity, and professionalism to every classroom. As a licensed facility in the state of Montana, we adhere to the licensing standards set by the Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services (DPHHS). All of our teachers hold current certification in infant, child and adult CPR/First Aid (with pediatric first aid included). Every member participates in onboarding and ongoing professional development — including a minimum of sixteen hours of approved annual training. Together we create engaging, safe, and nurturing learning environments where children explore, grow, and thrive — and families feel confident in the care we provide.
